If you think you've seen just about every kind of entertainment on cruise ships, Disney is about to overturn your applecart. Back in the 50's, there was a popular new medium that came to movie theaters, where everyone put on these snorky-looking cardboard glasses, one eye covered in red, the other in blue. There's no doubt those glasses were atrocious looking, but nobody was wearing 'em for style. It was to experience a movie in 3 dimensions, instantly dubbed "3D". A handful of filmmakers have attempted to forge a comeback for 3D, including the "Jaws" series a few years ago. What they failed to realize is we really don't NEED to see bloody human body parts, floating off the screen and into our laps. This time, though, it's Disney's turn in a family-friendly genre. They will be debuting 3D movies on the Disney Wonder next Friday, and on the Disney Magic in December. Looking ahead to 2009, it won't be just movies in 3D, either. They are going to attempt to combine 3D films with a live-action theatrical extravaganza, including fog machines, laser lights, streamers and other special effects. Passengers will get to experience first-run, full-length Disney movies, the same week they are released in theaters nationwide.
Leave it to the wholesome likes of Disney, to try to re-create a 60's psychedelic happening on a cruise ship. Of course they say it's for the kids, but 3D is definitely for adults as well. I remember going to an all-night 3D film festival in 1970, highlighted by the Beatles' Yellow Submarine. Oh my! If I were on a Disney cruise, I might even swig down a handful of rum punches and check it out....I wonder how those little paper umbrellas look in 3D?
This week marks a special occasion here in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nothing fancy, but then again Billy Graham probably doesn't have a fancy bone in his body. He's just a country preacher, whose easy style and quietly powerful voice shaped a generation, and then some. I remember my parents attending a Billy Graham crusade, and coming away more hopeful and more at peace than before. Reverend Graham will be turning 90 years old on Friday of this week, and although it won't get a lot of bells and whistles nationally, around here there will be a knowing nod and a "thank you" for his years of dedication, leadership and service. Happy birthday, Rev. Graham.
Speaking of North Carolina familiar faces, John Edwards came out of his shell last week, raising questions about his future in politics. Voters have proven over and over again that they'll forgive and forget, when it comes to fast-talking politicians. Just look at (dare I mention it) Alaska, where incredibly the voters almost re-elected a man recently convicted of multiple felonies, and ethical improprieties! Sorry, that's just plain ignorance in my opinion. I don't think carte blanche forgive-and-forget is a good thing. Sure everyone deserves a second chance in life, but it doesn't mean a second chance at the SAME life. If that were true, it means there are virtually no consequences for people's actions. In Mr. Edwards' case, he has the stigma of being not only a losing VP candidate with John Kerry, a losing Presidential candidate blown out by Hillary Clinton and President-elect Obama, but also cheating on his wife during a time she was trying to cope with cancer. If ever there were a trifecta for staying the heck out of politics, John....all I have to say is TAG: you're it.
Congratulations to Ricoh. You know Ricoh, the office equipment company? It's true they've left a carbon footprint that rivals a Brontosaurus, but at least in their latest advertising effort they're trying something new in the heart of excess, Times Square, New York. Ricoh is putting up the first "green" billboard this winter, a 35,000 lb. sign powered solely by wind and sun! There will be 16 wind turbines and 64 solar panels, which will save between $12,000-$15,000 per month in electricity usage and cost. The billboard will be lit by floodlights instead of light-emitting diodes, so potentially it could go dark during long periods of no wind or sun, but it would take more than 4 straight days of nothingness to have that impact. A lighting ceremony has been scheduled for Dec. 4, for the 126-foot wide, 47-foot high billboard. Good idea, guys, and a hearty round of applause from the old Skipper.
"Wash your hands, Bernard." I'm pretty sure that's what 33-year old Bernard Wood's mother told him, but the boy became the man and he just didn't listen to his Mama. Police in Lynchburg, Virginia were trying to solve a series of break-ins, without success. Apparently the bandit had been careful enough to use gloves, when breaking into peoples' homes and stealing their goods, while also helping himself to goodies from their refrigerators. Recently, the bandit raided a fridge and found a rather large helping of leftover Kentucky Fried Chicken, and decided to sit down for a quick feast. Colonel Sanders said it best, it's "finger-lickin'-good", which means you just can't properly eat it in gloves. So the thief took his off long enough to devour the chicken, and gulp down a bottle of orange juice. He carefully wiped down the table and fridge handle before throwing away the bottle and leaving. Oops! Police were able to lift greasy fingerprints from the orange juice bottle, and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Bethany Harrison said those fingerprints led to Bernard Wood. Police found incriminating evidence at his apartment, and last Friday he was sentenced to 6 years in prison, after being found guilty of 3 counts of burglary and 2 counts of grand larceny. I think he should have been given an extra year for aggravated disregard of using Handi-Wipes, and misdemeanor stupidity....
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
16 minutes of fame...17...
There's just no getting rid of Sarah Palin's face, is there Mateys? She's gettin' to be more of a barnacle on my hull every day. The media obsession continues to confound me. Plucked from obscurity, and now somehow she's the face and voice of the GOP. Albeit a losing face and voice, it's still there filling up my TV screen on every news report, pundit show, CNN, morning talk show, and anywhere else people dish about dishing. All I can say is please gimme back my airwaves! I'll take some more attack ads, as opposed to hearing her opinion on every form of human existence, no thank you very much. Alaska is starting to be known as "Whine Country." It's enough to make a grouchy old seafarer even grouchier (if that's possible).
With winter starting to peek over the horizon (maybe Alaska will get frozen over, and not a moment too soon), I'm sending my clients to places they don't have to worry about shoveling sidewalks. Not everyone is into cruising or going to a Caribbean island, believe it or not. Some people prefer active vacations, such as hiking, climbing, river rafting and sightseeing, while still finding time to relax and enjoy pampering at a premium hotel, with fine dining options and spa facilities. Where is this dreamy kind of place, you ask? None other than right here in the US-Of-A, our desert Southwest. We're talking about the Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona area. So many choices! There's great golf, incredible resorts, top-of-the-line spas, and a wide variety of desert sightseeing activities. There are full-day trips available to Lake Havasu (transplanted home of the original London Bridge), The Grand Canyon, and working ranches if you want a real-life cowboy experience. Yesterday I did a Top 10 of Chicago, and here's one for Phoenix:
1) Camelback Mountain. This rusty-red giant sports superb hiking trails and climbing, offering breathtaking views of desert scenery and the Phoenix area.
2) The Heard Museum. The foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., this museum reveals the culture of tribes in the region through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances. It displays the work of contemporary Native American artists, who demonstrate their work during the week, while musicians perform most weekends.
3) Grand Canyon National Park. This can be done as a long, full-day trip from Phoenix. World-class sightseeing, photography and river rafting make this the Greatest Hole on Earth!
4) Golf, Golf and Golf. Some of the best desert courses anywhere are found here, both challenging and beautiful.
5) Canyon Creek Ranch. One of the most popular attractions, it's outside the city in a remotely gorgeous area. Spend your day on horseback, and leave your city cares behind.
6) Hall Of Flame Museum Of Firefighting. Fascinating look into what make a hero tick, you'll have a new appreciation for these public servants.
7) AliceCooper'sTown. Yes, that Alice, and Phoenix is his hometown. Alice is an outstanding athlete, and this lively Sports Bar has it all, from sports on 16 screens to rock 'n roll. It's 6,000 sq. feet of "warehouse-style" dining, with a twist. Check out the rockin' menu: http://www.alicecooperstown.com/ It'll make you feel 18, 18, 18, 18 and you'll like it!
8) Lake Havasu/London Bridge. Can also be done as a full day trip from Phoenix. It's a man-made lake in the desert (with excellent fishing), complete with a world-famous bridge flown half-way around the globe, and re-assembled "just because." Need I say more?
9) Pro Sports Teams. For 6 months of the year, it's baseball with the Diamondbacks, and the other 6 months you can enjoy the Phoenix Suns playing hoops, or drop the puck with the Coyotes.
10) Cacti! Whether you want to visit Saguaro National Park, the Desert Botanical Garden, or just hop in your car to drive the highways for sightseeing, the Sonoran Desert has every form of flora and fauna imaginable. Be sure to ask for safety tips at your resort, before venturing out on your own, though.
Even from the East Coast, it's easy finding nonstop flights or simple, single-connections to Phoenix, depending on where you live. Contact me for rates and availability, ranging from mid-priced hotels and resorts to world-class spa facilities.
Recently, Police in central Pennsylvania made an interesting collar. Their "perp" had tried to rob a bank in Springettsbury Township earlier in the day. Police Lt. Scott Laird said the tellers were waiting for their cash drawers to be filled when a man entered a Susquehanna Bank branch, and demanded money. The first teller fainted. The next 2 showed him empty cash drawers. Laird says the robber became agitated, and threatened to file a complaint with bank management! All the tellers looked at each other, like "Huh?" Meanwhile, a customer in the drive-through lane saw what was happening and dialed 911. Shortly thereafter, a 48-yr-old man was arrested a few blocks away. After a quick identification, he was held in the York County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. He was charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery. He should have been charged with a lame attempt at making a threat....
With winter starting to peek over the horizon (maybe Alaska will get frozen over, and not a moment too soon), I'm sending my clients to places they don't have to worry about shoveling sidewalks. Not everyone is into cruising or going to a Caribbean island, believe it or not. Some people prefer active vacations, such as hiking, climbing, river rafting and sightseeing, while still finding time to relax and enjoy pampering at a premium hotel, with fine dining options and spa facilities. Where is this dreamy kind of place, you ask? None other than right here in the US-Of-A, our desert Southwest. We're talking about the Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona area. So many choices! There's great golf, incredible resorts, top-of-the-line spas, and a wide variety of desert sightseeing activities. There are full-day trips available to Lake Havasu (transplanted home of the original London Bridge), The Grand Canyon, and working ranches if you want a real-life cowboy experience. Yesterday I did a Top 10 of Chicago, and here's one for Phoenix:
1) Camelback Mountain. This rusty-red giant sports superb hiking trails and climbing, offering breathtaking views of desert scenery and the Phoenix area.
2) The Heard Museum. The foremost showcase of Native American art and culture in the U.S., this museum reveals the culture of tribes in the region through exhibits, demonstrations and live performances. It displays the work of contemporary Native American artists, who demonstrate their work during the week, while musicians perform most weekends.
3) Grand Canyon National Park. This can be done as a long, full-day trip from Phoenix. World-class sightseeing, photography and river rafting make this the Greatest Hole on Earth!
4) Golf, Golf and Golf. Some of the best desert courses anywhere are found here, both challenging and beautiful.
5) Canyon Creek Ranch. One of the most popular attractions, it's outside the city in a remotely gorgeous area. Spend your day on horseback, and leave your city cares behind.
6) Hall Of Flame Museum Of Firefighting. Fascinating look into what make a hero tick, you'll have a new appreciation for these public servants.
7) AliceCooper'sTown. Yes, that Alice, and Phoenix is his hometown. Alice is an outstanding athlete, and this lively Sports Bar has it all, from sports on 16 screens to rock 'n roll. It's 6,000 sq. feet of "warehouse-style" dining, with a twist. Check out the rockin' menu: http://www.alicecooperstown.com/ It'll make you feel 18, 18, 18, 18 and you'll like it!
8) Lake Havasu/London Bridge. Can also be done as a full day trip from Phoenix. It's a man-made lake in the desert (with excellent fishing), complete with a world-famous bridge flown half-way around the globe, and re-assembled "just because." Need I say more?
9) Pro Sports Teams. For 6 months of the year, it's baseball with the Diamondbacks, and the other 6 months you can enjoy the Phoenix Suns playing hoops, or drop the puck with the Coyotes.
10) Cacti! Whether you want to visit Saguaro National Park, the Desert Botanical Garden, or just hop in your car to drive the highways for sightseeing, the Sonoran Desert has every form of flora and fauna imaginable. Be sure to ask for safety tips at your resort, before venturing out on your own, though.
Even from the East Coast, it's easy finding nonstop flights or simple, single-connections to Phoenix, depending on where you live. Contact me for rates and availability, ranging from mid-priced hotels and resorts to world-class spa facilities.
Recently, Police in central Pennsylvania made an interesting collar. Their "perp" had tried to rob a bank in Springettsbury Township earlier in the day. Police Lt. Scott Laird said the tellers were waiting for their cash drawers to be filled when a man entered a Susquehanna Bank branch, and demanded money. The first teller fainted. The next 2 showed him empty cash drawers. Laird says the robber became agitated, and threatened to file a complaint with bank management! All the tellers looked at each other, like "Huh?" Meanwhile, a customer in the drive-through lane saw what was happening and dialed 911. Shortly thereafter, a 48-yr-old man was arrested a few blocks away. After a quick identification, he was held in the York County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. He was charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery. He should have been charged with a lame attempt at making a threat....
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Rocky Mountain "Hi"
News from Colorado ski country....the resorts and ski shops are in the process of expanding their rental inventory, in an attempt to make it easier for tourists to come out and play. Over the last year or so, many airlines have started charging for checked bags, including premiums on a 2nd or 3rd checked bag. That intimidates many people who are used to bringing 3 or 4 pieces with them to ski (boots, skis, suitcase, etc.). Particularly hard-hit are families, who can just about be priced out of the market. The ski shops feel this will help people travel lighter, and once they arrive they can still enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. I applaud their creativity in a struggling economy.
With the recent Election behind us, there is a new form of tourism making its way to the Midwest. People are flocking to see the home where Barack Obama lived in Chicago. It may not yet be in the class of "George Washington slept here", but it's equally historic in its own right. Just because it's new and hot as a tourist destination, if you do go to Chicago, be sure to catch a number of other fabulous highlights. Here's a Top-10 List for your listening and dancing pleasure:
1) Wrigley Field. It personifies baseball history, and if the Cubbies happen to be in town, there's nothing quite like it.
2) Second City Comedy Club. If there's a cradle of comedy genius, this is it. Irreverent, slapstick, a little on the blue side, cutting-edge improv at it's finest. World class.
3) Gino's East (pizza). The original home of Chicago deep-dish pizza. Small, a bit crowded, not an ounce of class to be found, but BOY is that good pizza! Two of us tried to split a medium, and couldn't come close to finishing it!
4) Buddy Guy's Legends Blues Club. Once again, if you're looking for high-class and posh, this is the wrong place to come. But if you want genuine Chicago-style blues of the finest order, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better on planet Earth. Never heard of Buddy Guy? That's a shame....Eric Clapton called him the "greatest guitarist of all time", and his influence on Rock, R&B and Blues is immeasurable.
5) The Navy Pier. Opened in 1916 in downtown Chicago as a shipping and recreational facility, it now showcases unique restaurants, boutiques, and theater events. There's the 50,000 sq. ft. Children's Museum of Chicago, a 440-seat IMAX theater, and a 32,000 sq. ft. indoor botanical garden. An excellent all-'round day for the entire family.
6) John Hancock Observatory. Always something going on, and the bird's-eye views of Chicago and Lake Michigan are stunning.
7) Lincoln Park Zoo. One of the Nation's best.
8) Grant Park. Beautiful place to stroll, and now has the historic presence of an Election-night happening, featuring Barack Obama and a quarter-million of his closest friends.
9) Art Institute of Chicago. Possibly the greatest collection of fine art in the Midwest.
10a) Magnificent Mile. This area of Chicago is legendary for designer shops, one after another, in a stunning array of chic, class and style.
10b) Chicago-Style Hotdogs. Nothing like 'em, folks. You might think you've had one, but until you have one in Chicago you've not done the real deal. There is a specific, time-honored method of EXACT ingredients, from dog to bun to all the extras. Any variation (including being eaten outside of Chicago) voids the authenticity. You'll be asking "where DO they get those little peppers??!"
And that's not all. Go see Oprah! Ride to the top of the Sears Tower. Take a day cruise or fish on Lake Michigan. Walk the famous downtown bridge area over the Chicago River. You'll be amazed at the color of the water, too. Looks almost like the Caribbean Sea it's such a lovely shade of blue-green. Lake Michigan itself is ten times cleaner now than years ago, and is now an area of pride for the city. Ride on the "El" (elevated train, like an over-the-ground subway). Chicago's nickname is the Second City, but it's second to none when it comes to a good time.
Police Blotter Time:
The proprietor of an Arkansas recycling plant was suspicious when a group of youths brought him a large, 63-pound grey metal bar. He said "Boys, what you've got yourselves there is a big 'ol hunk of lead", and he paid them $30 for their trouble. He got one of the boys to sign for the $30 and post his address on the receipt. After the young gentlemen left his office, he called local police to report the incident. It turns out, the 63-pound metal bar was a solid silver ingot, valued at $15,000. Police Detective Mike Stegall investigated further, confronting the boy who had signed for the $30 with his parents present. He confessed and implicated five of his friends as accomplices. Turns out, the boys had stolen 2 safes, which contained a rare D.H. Lawrence 1st-edition book valued at $5,000, silver and gold coins valued at $25,000 and the silver ingot. The rare book was still missing at last report, but most of the other items had been recovered. The would-be criminal geniuses had managed to get a total of $70 for their $45,000 worth of loot. When asked why they did it, the response was "we needed gas money."
I guess mowing lawns, raking leaves or getting a job would be out of the question, eh boys?
With the recent Election behind us, there is a new form of tourism making its way to the Midwest. People are flocking to see the home where Barack Obama lived in Chicago. It may not yet be in the class of "George Washington slept here", but it's equally historic in its own right. Just because it's new and hot as a tourist destination, if you do go to Chicago, be sure to catch a number of other fabulous highlights. Here's a Top-10 List for your listening and dancing pleasure:
1) Wrigley Field. It personifies baseball history, and if the Cubbies happen to be in town, there's nothing quite like it.
2) Second City Comedy Club. If there's a cradle of comedy genius, this is it. Irreverent, slapstick, a little on the blue side, cutting-edge improv at it's finest. World class.
3) Gino's East (pizza). The original home of Chicago deep-dish pizza. Small, a bit crowded, not an ounce of class to be found, but BOY is that good pizza! Two of us tried to split a medium, and couldn't come close to finishing it!
4) Buddy Guy's Legends Blues Club. Once again, if you're looking for high-class and posh, this is the wrong place to come. But if you want genuine Chicago-style blues of the finest order, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything better on planet Earth. Never heard of Buddy Guy? That's a shame....Eric Clapton called him the "greatest guitarist of all time", and his influence on Rock, R&B and Blues is immeasurable.
5) The Navy Pier. Opened in 1916 in downtown Chicago as a shipping and recreational facility, it now showcases unique restaurants, boutiques, and theater events. There's the 50,000 sq. ft. Children's Museum of Chicago, a 440-seat IMAX theater, and a 32,000 sq. ft. indoor botanical garden. An excellent all-'round day for the entire family.
6) John Hancock Observatory. Always something going on, and the bird's-eye views of Chicago and Lake Michigan are stunning.
7) Lincoln Park Zoo. One of the Nation's best.
8) Grant Park. Beautiful place to stroll, and now has the historic presence of an Election-night happening, featuring Barack Obama and a quarter-million of his closest friends.
9) Art Institute of Chicago. Possibly the greatest collection of fine art in the Midwest.
10a) Magnificent Mile. This area of Chicago is legendary for designer shops, one after another, in a stunning array of chic, class and style.
10b) Chicago-Style Hotdogs. Nothing like 'em, folks. You might think you've had one, but until you have one in Chicago you've not done the real deal. There is a specific, time-honored method of EXACT ingredients, from dog to bun to all the extras. Any variation (including being eaten outside of Chicago) voids the authenticity. You'll be asking "where DO they get those little peppers??!"
And that's not all. Go see Oprah! Ride to the top of the Sears Tower. Take a day cruise or fish on Lake Michigan. Walk the famous downtown bridge area over the Chicago River. You'll be amazed at the color of the water, too. Looks almost like the Caribbean Sea it's such a lovely shade of blue-green. Lake Michigan itself is ten times cleaner now than years ago, and is now an area of pride for the city. Ride on the "El" (elevated train, like an over-the-ground subway). Chicago's nickname is the Second City, but it's second to none when it comes to a good time.
Police Blotter Time:
The proprietor of an Arkansas recycling plant was suspicious when a group of youths brought him a large, 63-pound grey metal bar. He said "Boys, what you've got yourselves there is a big 'ol hunk of lead", and he paid them $30 for their trouble. He got one of the boys to sign for the $30 and post his address on the receipt. After the young gentlemen left his office, he called local police to report the incident. It turns out, the 63-pound metal bar was a solid silver ingot, valued at $15,000. Police Detective Mike Stegall investigated further, confronting the boy who had signed for the $30 with his parents present. He confessed and implicated five of his friends as accomplices. Turns out, the boys had stolen 2 safes, which contained a rare D.H. Lawrence 1st-edition book valued at $5,000, silver and gold coins valued at $25,000 and the silver ingot. The rare book was still missing at last report, but most of the other items had been recovered. The would-be criminal geniuses had managed to get a total of $70 for their $45,000 worth of loot. When asked why they did it, the response was "we needed gas money."
I guess mowing lawns, raking leaves or getting a job would be out of the question, eh boys?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
OnLine Like A Hooked Fish?
If it weren't for the internet, you wouldn't be reading this amazingly wonderful blog 'o mine, so I'm not going to tell you it's an evil medium. It's not, but as a new generation comes along who have grown up not knowing a pre-internet world, their comfort level can be naive when it comes to purchasing certain things online. Like travel, for example. Back in the 90's, people found all these travel websites saying "Biggest, Best, Cheapest, We're #1" and they figured it must be true, because it says so. Somebody out there in government is watching out for me, aren't they? Maybe, maybe not. As you see on numerous TV scam reports, there really is no such thing as The Internet Police, meaning there's no true accountability and no safety net, for do-it-yourselfers who think they are immune to being hornswaggled. Personally, I do a lot of my shopping on line for clothing items, books, and things I can hold in my hand. I always investigate a website first, see how long they've been around, and when I place my order I'd better have it in a timely manner or I get involved asking why not. Again, I only buy physical items , but I don't book services online, because I have no idea if I'll actually get that service....like travel.
Again in the 90's there was a cruise boom, where people felt they could go to websites and get a cheaper cruise fare. And because there were some huge discounters in the marketplace, there was a smidgen of truth to it, though success stories were still hit-and-miss. That changed about four years ago, when cruise lines realized these low-ball websites were diluting the value of their product. In turn, they forced all online vendors to advertise the same price. That put some of them out of business quickly, when they suddenly had no price advantage as a claim-to-fame. But others have hung in there, until the recent economic downturn started a domino effect on them as well. Here's how they have kept their market share, by creating a perception of lower rates, even when it's not true:
People call or email me asking my price on a cruise, and I give them the full, actual cost. It's amazing how many times I hear "Well, I saw a lower price on XYZ cruise website". That's a little trick of the website trade. They list their cruise rates in the initial online quote you see, and they include what's called port charges, so the consumer wrongly assumes that's the price. What they DON'T tell you (or show you initially) is they are not including additional government taxes (which can be as high as another $150-200), and they are also not including fuel supplements or surcharges (which can be as high as $15 per person per day). The only way to see the true final price online is to select the cruise, pick a cabin, fill out names and personal info, and keep clicking through more screens until you get to the one where they want your credit card. At that point, you truly see what the cruise costs, but by then most people figure "oh well, I guess this is the best deal." That's really not a good way to do business. When I quote somebody, I always quote the entire package price, period. Straightforward and professional. That's why my quote may appear higher than what you initially see online, but again the online cruise retailers have stayed afloat by creating this perception of value. It's bait-and-switch, if you think about it. Imagine you were buying a car and asked the salesman how much it is, and he says $15,000. Then when you're filling out the paperwork to buy it, the price is $20,000 and when asked about the price difference, he says "You DO want it with an engine, tires and seats don't you?" My thought is the engine, tires and seats pretty much make it a car in the first place! So why quote something lower, just to sucker the person in? That's not how we do business where I come from! When you ask for our help, we give you straight talk and accurate information. Not the bait-and-switch mentality that online cruise retailers thrive on.
Why the talk about online, you ask? Because of a startling announcement about one of the largest online cruise-only agencies in the US, Cruise Value Center. It appears they have literally closed their doors, and walked away. Over the last few days, worried clients of Cruise Value Center have come to realize they may be involved in something really big, and in fact the links on their website no longer work, either. The site is still up, but it's basically inoperable. Cruise Week's Special Edition today notes insider reports saying as much as $3 million dollars in customers' money never made it to the cruise lines! You're probably thinking "Boy, I hope those people were smart enough to buy trip insurance to cover that." Guess what. They thought they were smart enough. But now there are reports that an additional $1.5 million dollars in customers' insurance payments never made it to the insurer, either! Prime Travel Protection (the insurer for Cruise Value Center) has sent out a letter to over 1500 customers, explaining that their policies, believed to be in force by the consumer, were actually null and void, cancelled for non-payment by the online cruise company. That gets a big WOW across the board, but not in a good way. It's too soon to know all the details, but early indications are Cruise Value Center took these peoples' money and has now left them with no vacations, no money refunded, and no recourse other than through the judicial system. It ain't pretty, folks. Keep in mind, this was not a fly-by-night operation...they were one of the largest online cruise suppliers in the US. But when you're sending your money into cyberspace, you don't really know where it's going, or who it's going to, now do you?
Why am I telling you all this?
You're probably asking "Doesn't the agency you're affiliated with, Mann Travels, also have a website?" Yes we do, but here's the point. We have a website for customer convenience and contact, and people can make reservations online for certain air and land packages. But the website is only a small portion of what we do, and who we are! Unlike online retailers who have no storefront, just a call-center building somewhere in Podunk America, Mann Travels is a highly-respected American Express representative agency, being awarded Rep Excellence status every year of our partnership with them. Our Company has been privately owned by the same 2 people, Gary and Maxine Silverstein, for 30 years. We have physical office locations across North and South Carolina, where you can sit down and talk to an agent, if you prefer that type of contact to emails, dealing online or by phone. We are Premium Level with ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents), and Top Account status with all the major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival to name a few. Back in the mid-90's we were actually Carnival's Worldwide Agency Of The Year! So there's a lot more to using our services, than those of a faceless website you really don't know anything about from a business or longevity standpoint. Also, because we're part of the American Express Network, we have access to group pricing on many travel packages, including cruises. Oftentimes our rates are significantly LOWER than the online retailers, too. Working with an established agency like Mann Travels is your personal guarantee of a successful vacation. It's called peace of mind, knowing you're booking your trip with a reputable, stable, long-term travel supplier. So keep those calls and quote requests coming, gang!
Here's an oddball story. Police in Florida arrested a Connecticut man recently, after he tried to steal communion wafers during a Catholic Church service. The Martin County Sheriff's Office said a 33-year-old man was cornered by fellow churchgoers, after he grabbed a handful of wafers from the priest during communion services Saturday. The Stuart News reported the man was being held down by six or seven offended parishioners when deputies arrived at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach. Police say 2 parishioners, age 82 and 61, received minor injuries in the scuffle. The man was charged with two counts of simple battery, theft and disruption of a religious assembly. He was being held Tuesday on $2,000 bond at the Martin County Jail.
Apparently he had not seen that a nearby Albertson's grocery store had Whole Grain Ritz crackers "buy one, get one free".....
Again in the 90's there was a cruise boom, where people felt they could go to websites and get a cheaper cruise fare. And because there were some huge discounters in the marketplace, there was a smidgen of truth to it, though success stories were still hit-and-miss. That changed about four years ago, when cruise lines realized these low-ball websites were diluting the value of their product. In turn, they forced all online vendors to advertise the same price. That put some of them out of business quickly, when they suddenly had no price advantage as a claim-to-fame. But others have hung in there, until the recent economic downturn started a domino effect on them as well. Here's how they have kept their market share, by creating a perception of lower rates, even when it's not true:
People call or email me asking my price on a cruise, and I give them the full, actual cost. It's amazing how many times I hear "Well, I saw a lower price on XYZ cruise website". That's a little trick of the website trade. They list their cruise rates in the initial online quote you see, and they include what's called port charges, so the consumer wrongly assumes that's the price. What they DON'T tell you (or show you initially) is they are not including additional government taxes (which can be as high as another $150-200), and they are also not including fuel supplements or surcharges (which can be as high as $15 per person per day). The only way to see the true final price online is to select the cruise, pick a cabin, fill out names and personal info, and keep clicking through more screens until you get to the one where they want your credit card. At that point, you truly see what the cruise costs, but by then most people figure "oh well, I guess this is the best deal." That's really not a good way to do business. When I quote somebody, I always quote the entire package price, period. Straightforward and professional. That's why my quote may appear higher than what you initially see online, but again the online cruise retailers have stayed afloat by creating this perception of value. It's bait-and-switch, if you think about it. Imagine you were buying a car and asked the salesman how much it is, and he says $15,000. Then when you're filling out the paperwork to buy it, the price is $20,000 and when asked about the price difference, he says "You DO want it with an engine, tires and seats don't you?" My thought is the engine, tires and seats pretty much make it a car in the first place! So why quote something lower, just to sucker the person in? That's not how we do business where I come from! When you ask for our help, we give you straight talk and accurate information. Not the bait-and-switch mentality that online cruise retailers thrive on.
Why the talk about online, you ask? Because of a startling announcement about one of the largest online cruise-only agencies in the US, Cruise Value Center. It appears they have literally closed their doors, and walked away. Over the last few days, worried clients of Cruise Value Center have come to realize they may be involved in something really big, and in fact the links on their website no longer work, either. The site is still up, but it's basically inoperable. Cruise Week's Special Edition today notes insider reports saying as much as $3 million dollars in customers' money never made it to the cruise lines! You're probably thinking "Boy, I hope those people were smart enough to buy trip insurance to cover that." Guess what. They thought they were smart enough. But now there are reports that an additional $1.5 million dollars in customers' insurance payments never made it to the insurer, either! Prime Travel Protection (the insurer for Cruise Value Center) has sent out a letter to over 1500 customers, explaining that their policies, believed to be in force by the consumer, were actually null and void, cancelled for non-payment by the online cruise company. That gets a big WOW across the board, but not in a good way. It's too soon to know all the details, but early indications are Cruise Value Center took these peoples' money and has now left them with no vacations, no money refunded, and no recourse other than through the judicial system. It ain't pretty, folks. Keep in mind, this was not a fly-by-night operation...they were one of the largest online cruise suppliers in the US. But when you're sending your money into cyberspace, you don't really know where it's going, or who it's going to, now do you?
Why am I telling you all this?
You're probably asking "Doesn't the agency you're affiliated with, Mann Travels, also have a website?" Yes we do, but here's the point. We have a website for customer convenience and contact, and people can make reservations online for certain air and land packages. But the website is only a small portion of what we do, and who we are! Unlike online retailers who have no storefront, just a call-center building somewhere in Podunk America, Mann Travels is a highly-respected American Express representative agency, being awarded Rep Excellence status every year of our partnership with them. Our Company has been privately owned by the same 2 people, Gary and Maxine Silverstein, for 30 years. We have physical office locations across North and South Carolina, where you can sit down and talk to an agent, if you prefer that type of contact to emails, dealing online or by phone. We are Premium Level with ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents), and Top Account status with all the major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival to name a few. Back in the mid-90's we were actually Carnival's Worldwide Agency Of The Year! So there's a lot more to using our services, than those of a faceless website you really don't know anything about from a business or longevity standpoint. Also, because we're part of the American Express Network, we have access to group pricing on many travel packages, including cruises. Oftentimes our rates are significantly LOWER than the online retailers, too. Working with an established agency like Mann Travels is your personal guarantee of a successful vacation. It's called peace of mind, knowing you're booking your trip with a reputable, stable, long-term travel supplier. So keep those calls and quote requests coming, gang!
Here's an oddball story. Police in Florida arrested a Connecticut man recently, after he tried to steal communion wafers during a Catholic Church service. The Martin County Sheriff's Office said a 33-year-old man was cornered by fellow churchgoers, after he grabbed a handful of wafers from the priest during communion services Saturday. The Stuart News reported the man was being held down by six or seven offended parishioners when deputies arrived at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Jensen Beach. Police say 2 parishioners, age 82 and 61, received minor injuries in the scuffle. The man was charged with two counts of simple battery, theft and disruption of a religious assembly. He was being held Tuesday on $2,000 bond at the Martin County Jail.
Apparently he had not seen that a nearby Albertson's grocery store had Whole Grain Ritz crackers "buy one, get one free".....
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Shear Delight!
The last few days, I've been writing about Paloma, the 3rd-trimester storm that came out of nowhere, and is now - nowhere! After being ripped to shreds by the high, jagged mountains of Cuba, wind shear took the tops off the remaining clouds yesterday and she is officially off the radar screen. Some computer models showed the storm reforming and turning back South or West, but the models didn't see the upper-atmospheric cross-winds, that finally gave Paloma the crew cut she needed to disappear. I think we're ready for some nice Fall & Winter calm about now, don't you? In this age of mostly negative press, any good news item is worth blogging about.
Yesterday Holland America's "Zuiderdam" came back to port, following a 17-night voyage, and 14% of the passengers (261) reported symptoms of what appears to be a Norovirus strain. That's an unusually high percentage, but I will tell you some preventative ways you can beat the bug whenever you cruise.
Norovirus is fairly common all across the country from October to April, and people who have paid for a cruise are still going to go, even if they don't necessarily feel 100%. They're not going to risk losing all the money they spent on the cruise, so they'll show up and bring their little viruses and microscopic whatsits with them. Typically the Norovirus is not spread air-borne (except in a small area by a sneeze or cough), but those same little droplets of a sneeze or cough that are expelled always land on SOMETHING. It's called gravity. So let's review your memory bank - what did your Mom tell you to do before eating when you were a kid? No, "brush your teeth" was after. Think harder. Yes! Wash your hands. On a ship, people will often go back to their cabin to freshen up before a meal, and they'll be sure to wash their hands thoroughly. Then they walk out of their cabin and grab the door handle (unwashed), then as they head to dinner they often grab the handrails in the hallways (unwashed) or on the stairs (unwashed), or press the elevator buttons (unwashed), and when they get to the dining room, they take a menu from the waiter (potentially unwashed - THE MENU, not the waiter!). Get the picture yet? People are casually hygienic, and they think they've taken preventative measures, but naively so as you can see. That's why Norovirus spreads so easily in an enclosed shipboard environment.
I always go to the galley (dining room), and wait until I've read the menu and ordered, before excusing myself for 1 minute to go to the restroom and wash my hands. That doesn't bother me to do, but for people who get embarrassed by leaving the table, just take a small Purell pack or squeeze bottle to the table. Anyone who would criticize you for sanitizing your hands is the same type of person who catches the Noro.
Did you read between the lines at all here? There's another trap set, if you didn't. People might follow these instructions completely, and still set themselves up for a fall. What's the first thing many people do when they sit down at a table? Unwrap the silverware, put the napkin in their lap, just like Emily Post or Miss Manners. WRONG! As mentioned, you just grabbed the rail, touched the wall, all that Noro-stuff and then grabbed your silverware! Just because you're on vacation, don't check your brain at the door. Go to the dining room, grab the menu and order, then sanitize your hands one way or another, and now you're ready to unwrap your napkin, grab your glass of water (did you think of that one?), or help yourself to a dinner roll (see? there are lots of dangers if you're not thinking!). All us lifelong Seafarers know these tricks, and if you're careful you and your family can enjoy cruising with very little chance of contracting a Norovirus, regardless of the season.
Did you read between the lines AGAIN? Forget about the dining room, sometimes you're out on the deck, and are just going to grab a burger and fries. All the same rules apply, Mates. Same for when you stop in for tea and cookies in the afternoon, or grab an ice cream cone, and on and on. Do you see how easy it is to slip up? Add to the equation that many people have had a cocktail or six when they're on a cruise, and their inhibitions are minimized, while carelessness is maximized. Those are what we professional sailors refer to as the "unprotected sects."
According to the Peninsula Daily News in Port Angeles, Washington there is a new danger in the kitchen. Being shot by the stove. I don't mean being shot NEAR the stove, either. Ms. Cory Davis of Sekiu Washington was trying to take the chill of her house, by firing up her wood-burning stove a couple weeks ago. She had put in some small sticks and kindling, as well as a couple healthy-size pieces of firewood, but it was still going to take a few minutes to get up to speed, so she decided to prep the fire by putting in a few newspapers to hurry the process. She grabbed some rolled-up newspapers from her kitchen table, forgetting she had earlier been cleaning her .22-gauge shotgun. One of the shells had made its way into the newspaper, and as Ms. Davis was standing there warming her hands by the orange glow of the fire, the stove shot her in the leg. She was able to drive herself to the hospital, and her injuries were not life-threatening. When asked about the incident, Ms. Davis said "There's always that one problem stray."
Like it was the shell's fault....
Yesterday Holland America's "Zuiderdam" came back to port, following a 17-night voyage, and 14% of the passengers (261) reported symptoms of what appears to be a Norovirus strain. That's an unusually high percentage, but I will tell you some preventative ways you can beat the bug whenever you cruise.
Norovirus is fairly common all across the country from October to April, and people who have paid for a cruise are still going to go, even if they don't necessarily feel 100%. They're not going to risk losing all the money they spent on the cruise, so they'll show up and bring their little viruses and microscopic whatsits with them. Typically the Norovirus is not spread air-borne (except in a small area by a sneeze or cough), but those same little droplets of a sneeze or cough that are expelled always land on SOMETHING. It's called gravity. So let's review your memory bank - what did your Mom tell you to do before eating when you were a kid? No, "brush your teeth" was after. Think harder. Yes! Wash your hands. On a ship, people will often go back to their cabin to freshen up before a meal, and they'll be sure to wash their hands thoroughly. Then they walk out of their cabin and grab the door handle (unwashed), then as they head to dinner they often grab the handrails in the hallways (unwashed) or on the stairs (unwashed), or press the elevator buttons (unwashed), and when they get to the dining room, they take a menu from the waiter (potentially unwashed - THE MENU, not the waiter!). Get the picture yet? People are casually hygienic, and they think they've taken preventative measures, but naively so as you can see. That's why Norovirus spreads so easily in an enclosed shipboard environment.
I always go to the galley (dining room), and wait until I've read the menu and ordered, before excusing myself for 1 minute to go to the restroom and wash my hands. That doesn't bother me to do, but for people who get embarrassed by leaving the table, just take a small Purell pack or squeeze bottle to the table. Anyone who would criticize you for sanitizing your hands is the same type of person who catches the Noro.
Did you read between the lines at all here? There's another trap set, if you didn't. People might follow these instructions completely, and still set themselves up for a fall. What's the first thing many people do when they sit down at a table? Unwrap the silverware, put the napkin in their lap, just like Emily Post or Miss Manners. WRONG! As mentioned, you just grabbed the rail, touched the wall, all that Noro-stuff and then grabbed your silverware! Just because you're on vacation, don't check your brain at the door. Go to the dining room, grab the menu and order, then sanitize your hands one way or another, and now you're ready to unwrap your napkin, grab your glass of water (did you think of that one?), or help yourself to a dinner roll (see? there are lots of dangers if you're not thinking!). All us lifelong Seafarers know these tricks, and if you're careful you and your family can enjoy cruising with very little chance of contracting a Norovirus, regardless of the season.
Did you read between the lines AGAIN? Forget about the dining room, sometimes you're out on the deck, and are just going to grab a burger and fries. All the same rules apply, Mates. Same for when you stop in for tea and cookies in the afternoon, or grab an ice cream cone, and on and on. Do you see how easy it is to slip up? Add to the equation that many people have had a cocktail or six when they're on a cruise, and their inhibitions are minimized, while carelessness is maximized. Those are what we professional sailors refer to as the "unprotected sects."
According to the Peninsula Daily News in Port Angeles, Washington there is a new danger in the kitchen. Being shot by the stove. I don't mean being shot NEAR the stove, either. Ms. Cory Davis of Sekiu Washington was trying to take the chill of her house, by firing up her wood-burning stove a couple weeks ago. She had put in some small sticks and kindling, as well as a couple healthy-size pieces of firewood, but it was still going to take a few minutes to get up to speed, so she decided to prep the fire by putting in a few newspapers to hurry the process. She grabbed some rolled-up newspapers from her kitchen table, forgetting she had earlier been cleaning her .22-gauge shotgun. One of the shells had made its way into the newspaper, and as Ms. Davis was standing there warming her hands by the orange glow of the fire, the stove shot her in the leg. She was able to drive herself to the hospital, and her injuries were not life-threatening. When asked about the incident, Ms. Davis said "There's always that one problem stray."
Like it was the shell's fault....
Monday, November 10, 2008
Not-So-Great Depression
Paloma lost nearly all her punch crossing Cuba, and she stalled before ever making it to the major Bahamas island chain. Now in limbo, the computer models have her turning back to the South, possibly crossing Cuba a 2nd time, then heading either towards the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, or into the Gulf of Mexico. For all concerned (except Cuba), the best result would be for the high mountains of that island to completely rip Paloma apart, essentially ending this storm. That's the hope, anyway. It's still too soon to tell, but eyes will definitely be on that part of the Southern Atlantic/Northern Caribbean over the next 24-48 hours. Nobody wants this thing to reform and become a danger again.
By 2011, Hawaii is supposed to have a mouse invasion! Not the little critters you whack with a broom. No, we're talking about Mickey. Disney has announced plans to build a resort on Maui featuring 830 hotel and time-share rooms, along with a fantasy-laden water park area. What comes around goes around, since one of Walt Disney's earliest films in 1937 featured Mickey Mouse on a surfboard in Hawaii. This time, it's for real. To read more on the story:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2008-10-24-disney-oahu-resort_N.htm
This resort will certainly come with a hefty price tag for visitors, with all the extra taxes Hawaii heaps on for tourism, but that's never stopped people from booking the Mouse that roared before. Disney aficionados flat out LOVE their Disney. As for The Cap'n, you can park me at the Ritz-Carlton for that kind of money, since I don't have little 'uns to drag along (I mean lovingly share vacation memories with).
On the other side of the world, the New York Times reports there is a strange new variation on the "log flume ride", that's become so popular at American theme parks. Well, not logs exactly, but kind of shaped like that. And not a ride exactly, unless you're talking a mental walk-about. It seems a Buddhist temple in Nakhon Nayok Thailand is offering quickie reincarnation sessions, in which people climb into coffins to "die", though not really. A priest chants over them, to chase away the evil spirits of the person, who is then "reborn" as someone different. Eh, right. The temple started the procedure with 1 coffin, but has expanded to nine coffins, to serve the ever-growing demands and long lines of optimists looking for a new-and-improved life. People standing in the queue are instructed to stand back while waiting, so as not to absorb the "dying" people's escaping evilness. I'm told that people who have undergone the procedure feel incredible afterward, seeing life in a whole new light and having a burning desire to purchase the Brooklyn Bridge, or swampland in Florida....
By 2011, Hawaii is supposed to have a mouse invasion! Not the little critters you whack with a broom. No, we're talking about Mickey. Disney has announced plans to build a resort on Maui featuring 830 hotel and time-share rooms, along with a fantasy-laden water park area. What comes around goes around, since one of Walt Disney's earliest films in 1937 featured Mickey Mouse on a surfboard in Hawaii. This time, it's for real. To read more on the story:
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotels/2008-10-24-disney-oahu-resort_N.htm
This resort will certainly come with a hefty price tag for visitors, with all the extra taxes Hawaii heaps on for tourism, but that's never stopped people from booking the Mouse that roared before. Disney aficionados flat out LOVE their Disney. As for The Cap'n, you can park me at the Ritz-Carlton for that kind of money, since I don't have little 'uns to drag along (I mean lovingly share vacation memories with).
On the other side of the world, the New York Times reports there is a strange new variation on the "log flume ride", that's become so popular at American theme parks. Well, not logs exactly, but kind of shaped like that. And not a ride exactly, unless you're talking a mental walk-about. It seems a Buddhist temple in Nakhon Nayok Thailand is offering quickie reincarnation sessions, in which people climb into coffins to "die", though not really. A priest chants over them, to chase away the evil spirits of the person, who is then "reborn" as someone different. Eh, right. The temple started the procedure with 1 coffin, but has expanded to nine coffins, to serve the ever-growing demands and long lines of optimists looking for a new-and-improved life. People standing in the queue are instructed to stand back while waiting, so as not to absorb the "dying" people's escaping evilness. I'm told that people who have undergone the procedure feel incredible afterward, seeing life in a whole new light and having a burning desire to purchase the Brooklyn Bridge, or swampland in Florida....
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Paloma, meet Cuba
The last-season hurricane that caused havoc earlier in the week, Paloma, has experienced some havoc herself. She hit Cuba as a Category 3 storm, and the rough terrain and high mountains of central Cuba ripped the storm to shreds. Paloma emerged into the Atlantic as a tropical storm, still at 60mph winds based on the latest readings, but she has stalled - barely moving Northward at 2mph. Nearly all of the computer models have the storm turning back to the South, and then West if there's anything left of it after hitting Cuba a 2nd time. One thing about hurricanes, you absolutely NEVER know for sure what they're going to do. This thing could die in its tracks, or re-form over warmer water. I'll keep you posted.
In the recent doom-and-gloom days, it has been hard to find silver linings out there, but today there was some news from President-elect Obama's transition team. The head of the team says the incoming Administration is conducting an extensive review of virtually all of President Bush's executive orders. Every Agency of the federal government is under scrutiny, as the new-kids-on-the-block attempt to help NOW with a rescue, not wait until January. I salute them for taking pro-active steps. When was the last time any of us saw that from our government? John Podesta of the transition team said a President can actually do a lot without waiting for Congress, if he's of a mind to and cares enough to get personally involved. Lucky for us, Mr. Obama appears to be exactly that kind of man. Podesta said voters can expect the President-elect to try to restore "a sense that the country is working on behalf of the common good." This truly was the most important election of my lifetime, and I'm thrilled at the opening pages of the next 4 years. I'll say it now, if the last few days are reflective of what's to come in this Administration, it's gonna be 8 years, not 4. You heard it here first, Mates. By the way, if you're considering going to DC for the Inauguration on Jan. 20th, better plan on staying outside the city. Hotel rates have skyrocketed, and even at that the entire city is nearing sold-out status.
Baltimore is where Edgar Allen Poe died. With 2009 being the 200th anniversary of his birth, the city decided to spend an entire year celebrating the master of the macabre, with a little thing called "Nevermore 2009". My idea of Poe-A-Palooza was catchier, but do they ever listen to me? No! Anyway, Nevermore 2009 will be a year's worth of exhibits and programs, including a 1-man show called POE In Person. There will be a wine tasting in the catacombs beneath Westminster Hall, inspired by Poe's tale The Cask Of Amontillado. There will even be an elaborate re-enactment of his funeral in October of next year. If you want to learn more, go to http://www.nevermore2009.com/. I'm not sure how they'll keep the excitement level high for a full year, and I truly can't imagine there are enough Poe fans to keep something like this going, but what do I know? I'm a more modern-day horror guy, Dean Koontz, Stephen King and Clive Barker. If nothing else, it's an interesting concept to drive business to the city.
Last week, Roane State Community College (Tennessee) beat King College's junior varsity in basketball, 93-42. What a drubbing. 91 of Roane's points were good, but not great. Just plenty to win in a landslide. But 2 of their points were great. Some kind of half-court buzzer-beater? Somebody tipped one in with his head? Nope. It seems Roane State has a student named Ken Mink who scored two points in the game, and those were 2 great points. Mr. Mink is registered with Roane State as a full-time student, and he had to overcome some long odds to make the team, and even more importantly get on the court during a regulation game. His 2 points weren't even a sweet jumper from the top of the key, or a driving layup...no, Ken Mink got hacked. He was sent to the free throw line, where he calmly sank both shots, with the crowd erupting in applause and cheers. Sincere ones at that. Why? Ken Mink is 73 years old.
In the recent doom-and-gloom days, it has been hard to find silver linings out there, but today there was some news from President-elect Obama's transition team. The head of the team says the incoming Administration is conducting an extensive review of virtually all of President Bush's executive orders. Every Agency of the federal government is under scrutiny, as the new-kids-on-the-block attempt to help NOW with a rescue, not wait until January. I salute them for taking pro-active steps. When was the last time any of us saw that from our government? John Podesta of the transition team said a President can actually do a lot without waiting for Congress, if he's of a mind to and cares enough to get personally involved. Lucky for us, Mr. Obama appears to be exactly that kind of man. Podesta said voters can expect the President-elect to try to restore "a sense that the country is working on behalf of the common good." This truly was the most important election of my lifetime, and I'm thrilled at the opening pages of the next 4 years. I'll say it now, if the last few days are reflective of what's to come in this Administration, it's gonna be 8 years, not 4. You heard it here first, Mates. By the way, if you're considering going to DC for the Inauguration on Jan. 20th, better plan on staying outside the city. Hotel rates have skyrocketed, and even at that the entire city is nearing sold-out status.
Baltimore is where Edgar Allen Poe died. With 2009 being the 200th anniversary of his birth, the city decided to spend an entire year celebrating the master of the macabre, with a little thing called "Nevermore 2009". My idea of Poe-A-Palooza was catchier, but do they ever listen to me? No! Anyway, Nevermore 2009 will be a year's worth of exhibits and programs, including a 1-man show called POE In Person. There will be a wine tasting in the catacombs beneath Westminster Hall, inspired by Poe's tale The Cask Of Amontillado. There will even be an elaborate re-enactment of his funeral in October of next year. If you want to learn more, go to http://www.nevermore2009.com/. I'm not sure how they'll keep the excitement level high for a full year, and I truly can't imagine there are enough Poe fans to keep something like this going, but what do I know? I'm a more modern-day horror guy, Dean Koontz, Stephen King and Clive Barker. If nothing else, it's an interesting concept to drive business to the city.
Last week, Roane State Community College (Tennessee) beat King College's junior varsity in basketball, 93-42. What a drubbing. 91 of Roane's points were good, but not great. Just plenty to win in a landslide. But 2 of their points were great. Some kind of half-court buzzer-beater? Somebody tipped one in with his head? Nope. It seems Roane State has a student named Ken Mink who scored two points in the game, and those were 2 great points. Mr. Mink is registered with Roane State as a full-time student, and he had to overcome some long odds to make the team, and even more importantly get on the court during a regulation game. His 2 points weren't even a sweet jumper from the top of the key, or a driving layup...no, Ken Mink got hacked. He was sent to the free throw line, where he calmly sank both shots, with the crowd erupting in applause and cheers. Sincere ones at that. Why? Ken Mink is 73 years old.
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